Some visitors are not only looking for a place to eat, they are looking for a place to live and experience life in Dalian. Bangchuidao Hotel is a prestigious national hotel located in Dalian whose dishes are matched by the hotel’s amenities. Located near the sea, Bangchuidao offers high quality seafood in their Chinese dishes, but with a classy, almost European spin. When you are not eating, you can enjoy yourself at Bangchuidao’s gold course or tennis courts.

It’s not uncommon in Dalian for locals and tourists with taste of American cuisine to head to the Brooklyn Bar and Restaurant. The visitor is greeted with a large menu, teeming with a variety of pizzas, burgers and other classic American fare. The atmosphere has the sort of vintage, classic American charm that would appeal to both foreigners as well as locals.

Traditional Chinese Hotpots rose in popularity more than a millennium ago among the local Sichuan. The Chengdu Lao Tan Zi Hotpot was named just after this tradition, referring to the tradition of cooking stews in hotpots at the table. The Hotpot carries this theme in authentic fashion, with historic artifacts accenting the decor and the menu, leaving the visitor with a truly enchanting experience.

Located a few blocks down from Zhongshan Park, Da Di Chun offers tourists, visitors and curiosity-seekers something of a pit-stop. Da Di Chun is less of an immersive experience and more of a Dalian fast-food joint. Priding themselves on their speed and convenience, the culinary outlet boasts a mere 20-minute wait on all their dishes. Surprisingly, despite peak-hour crowds, customers report high-quality service.

Hans Pub is the quintessential western pub in the coastal city of Dalian. At Hans pub, all the beer is brewed on the grounds, assuring the visitor a unique, authentic experience of Dalian-brewed Australian-hops. Hans has a significant selection of western offerings for the homesick tourist, and the overall atmosphere makes Hans a wonderful place to visit.

Located within the Holiday Inn, the Hong Kong trained chef adds a touch of quality to the menu, which offers a creative mix between traditional Japanese and Cantonese dishes. This restaurant is in high demand, so do not be surprised if you stop by and can’t find a seat. Your best bet would be to call and reserve a table. Take it from me- it’s totally worth it.

Sitting atop the Bohai Hotel, not unlike its crown is the Mingzhu Revolving Restaurant, the most famous of it’s kind in Dalian. The beautiful panoramic view draws visitors like moths to a flame. With an award-winning chef crafting the menu as well as its delectable seafood, the experience is unmistakably enchanting.

Shuangshengyuan went from a small street vendor to one of the most well known Chinese eateries in Dalian. It’s skyrocketing popularity among the locals resulting in branches being opened in several other Chinese cities. With a menu centering around local fish and other seafood ingredients, Shuangshengyuan does well to focus on local favorites that is sure to give the visitor a taste of the Chinese seafood experience that is both unquestionably authentic and delicious.

Another well-known and well-appreciated Chinese seafood restaurant in Dalian- Tian Tian Yu Gang has had a big impact on Dalian’s culinary scene, with several different locations opening up around the city as testament to their quality and desirability. Unlike many other Chinese eateries, Tian Tian Yu Gang offers a more elegant, upscale experience. At Tian Tian Yu Gang the focus is on the customer, and it’s hard to debate, as you are even offered to customize your dishes based on how you like it. Renowned for excellent service, quality atmosphere and elegant scenery, Tian Tian Yu Gang is the place to be for a night out.

If you’re in the mood to try some authentic Chinese dishes, but with a contemporary twist, try Wanfulu Restaurant at the Wanda International Hotel. Located on the third floor of the building, the buffet at Wanfulu offers a creative twist on the wide variety of the local seafood bounty.